Already during the Renaissance, a fountain for public use existed near the municipal loggia.
Later, in 1583, the task of bringing water to the town center was entrusted to Friar Domenico Paganelli (1545-1624), a papal architect and superintendent of the construction of St. Peter’s (i.e., the Faenza Cathedral).
Paganelli discovered highly drinkable water in the Cartiera area and began the construction of a terracotta aqueduct, a project that remained unfinished for a long time as the friar was called to Rome for other works. Construction resumed in 1614, and, following the suggestion of Cardinal Rivarola, Paganelli commissioned the Ticinese architect Domenico Castelli to complete the fountain, which was finished in 1621.
The fountain is adorned with sculptures of eagles and dragons representing the heraldic achievements of Pope Paul V, while the three rampant lions symbolize the city’s coat of arms.
